Ideal for professionals involved in the management of archives and records, especially if they are just starting out or without formal training, The No-Nonsense Guide to Archives and Recordkeeping covers all aspects of the practice. Based on the internationally renowned training days run by author Margaret Crockett and her business partner, the guide follows records’ journey from creation, through the application of classification and access techniques, evaluation for business, legal and historical value and finally to destruction or preservation and access in the archive. It utilizes checklists, practical exercises, sample documentation, case studies and helpful diagrams to ensure a very accessible and pragmatic approach, allowing anyone to get to grips with the basics quickly. Divided into four main work areas, the book covers:

current records, including creation, filing, classification and security;

This one-stop guide will be essential for a wide readership, including archives and records assistants, librarians, information managers and IT professionals responsible for archives and records, and managers of archives staff.
Table of Contents

1. Concepts and context

Archives and records: concepts and terminology

Record media and formats

Types of archive repository

The archives and records scene

Working with records and archives

Record creators and archive users

Round-up

2. Managing current records

Introduction

Creation

Filing, classification and file naming

Use and tracking

Security

Vital records

Round-up

3. Records management

Introduction

Information management

Justifying records management

Planning the records management programme

Surveying

Policy and procedures, implementation guidance

The role of legislation, regulation and standards

Developing retention schedules

Non-current recordkeeping systems

Disposal

Managing vital records

Handling legacy records

Initial review and on-going audit

Round-up

4. Archives management

Introduction

Collecting policies

Acquisition

Intellectual property rights for archives

Accessioning

Appraisal

Arrangement and description

Finding aids

Automation and digitization

Access

Advocacy

Working with volunteers

Round-up

5. Archival preservation

Introduction

Policy and strategy

Creation conditions

Surveys

Storage requirements

Packaging, handling and access

Creation and use of surrogates

Disaster prevention and emergency planning

Conservation requirements

Preservation of digital records

Round-up

About the Author

Margaret Crockett is a qualified consultant in archives and records management with over 20 years of professional experience. She is a co-director of the Archive-Skills Consultancy, which offers guidance and teaching internationally.
Reviews

"...an invaluable contribution to the everyday bookshelf of the archivist and recordkeeper"
— Archives

"Crockett writes with well-earned authority ... the book serves as an excellent primer, refresher, and reference guide for those without a formal background in records management and archival practice."
— Technical Services Quarterly

This new book provides a groundbreaking discussion of a major but little considered issue: Why do archives, sometimes seen as the repositories of truth, often fail to satisfy users because they do not contain information which they expect to find?

This book gives you tools for collection strategies, a management plan for electronic records, and development strategies for starting a campus records management program, and an understanding of the emerging trends affecting all archivists.